Updated : 1st November 2023
Introduction to nursing in Malaysia
Malaysia has a long and established nursing industry, having its origins in the 1800’s, with legislation governing the Nursing profession being established in the 1950’s. The Malaysian Nursing Board (LJM) regulates all matters related to nursing and nurses.
Overview on employment opportunities in Malaysia
The biggest employers of registered nurses is the public hospitality sector followed closely by large private hospitals. Smaller hospitals and nursing homes form the other major employers of nurses in Malaysia. Current foreign nurse recruitment is only limited for Private Hospitals. (2023).
What’s new in the latest revision by Malaysian Government?
Like most countries in the world, Malaysia is facing a severe shortage of experienced registered nurses over the last decade and the Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened the situation.
To meet the demand, the Malaysian government relaxed the requirements for hiring of foreign nurses, the main policy change being that foreign nurses no longer need a Post-Basic Certification in any nursing discipline unlike previously. Hence from October 2023, experienced registered foreign nurses can now apply for placement vacancies, under the sponsorship of Private Hospitals.
Benefits of working as a foreign nurse in Malaysia:
- Nurses fall under an employment pass status as professionals and are accorded the salaries, benefits befitting that group.
- Salaries and allowances are at par with Malaysian Nurses
- Nurses typically work 8-hour day shifts for 5 days on, 2 days off rotations / 10-hour night-shifts on 4 days on, 3 days off.
- Foreign nurses are provided with shared accommodation while working, with typically a nurse to a room in apartment setups
- English is widely spoken in most private hospital settings and proficiency in basic English will be required if you wish to work in Malaysia.
- Medical and accident insurance coverage policies are usually provided
- Most hospitals provide subsidised meals for nursing staff
Average remuneration estimates in Malaysia for foreign nurses with 5+ years of experience:
- Salary range from RM3,500 to RM4,500 per month
- Additional allowances of about RM350 to RM550 per month
- Over-time and public holiday allowances as per regulations
- Various incentives and bonuses depending on individual hospital policies.
Estimated cost of living in Malaysia for foreign nurses:
- Accommodation – shared accommodation provided
- Transport for work- provided
- Transport for non work, average – RM250 per month (LRT/Bus)
- Meals – RM750 per month. This includes subsidised meals that most hospitals provide.
- Other incidental costs of living average – RM250 per month.
List of requirements for foreign nurses employment in Malaysia:
- Recognised Degree or Diploma or Post-Graduate in Nursing
- Registration with the Local Nursing Board in origin country
- Valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) in country of origin
- Successful medical screening and completed vaccinations as per Malaysian Immigration requirements
- Offer to employment as a registered nurse by a Licensed Private Hospital in Malaysia with quota to hire foreign nurses.
Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ)
Registered foreign nurses can find work as staff nurses in private hospitals in Malaysia, subject to meeting the requirements of the Malaysian Nursing Board.
Most foreign nurses work in either multidisciplinary or specialist wards in Private Hospitals throughout Malaysia.
Foreign Nurses wishing to work in Malaysia need to meet the following minimum criteria:
- Have a Degree or Diploma in Nursing from an institution recognised by their home country nursing authority. Post Basics are an advantage.
- Be registered with the Nursing Authority of their home country.
- Have an valid Annual Practicing Certificate at time of application from the nursing authority of home country.
- Have a minimum of 5 years of post graduation experience, in hospital environment.
- Willing to commit to work a minimum of 24 months, maximum 36 months in Malaysia if offered.
- Fluent in spoken and written English
Foreign nurses can work in most nursing fields like :
- Medical -Surgical
- Oncology
- Critical Care(HDU/ICU)
- Cardiac
- Orthopaedic
- Neonatal
- Geriatric
- Nephrology
- Operating Theatre
- Emergency Department
- Gynaecology
Foreign nurses are not approved to work in Obstetrics
While benefits vary from employer to employer, typical benefits found in most hospitals are:
- Shared Accommodation – 1 Nurse per room
- Transport to work and back
- Insurance for Medical / Accidental Death & Dismemberment cover
- 12 Days Annual Leave
- 14 days paid sick leave per year
Most communications in Private Hospitals are in English and so foreign nurses fluent in English should have no problems communicating with their work colleagues, leaders or doctors.
Foreign nurses work the same Shift hours/ Days off rotation as local nurses. Typical work schedules are:
- 8 hour Day shifts with 5 days on / 2 days off
- 10 hour Night shifts with 4 days on and 3 days off
- Typically maximum of 44 hours a week
- Over Time is paid for work above standard hours
Are you a foreign nurse (non-Malaysian) seeking a full-time job placement in Malaysia?
General Requirements
- Registered with origin country Nursing Board
- Min 5 years experience after graduation.
(3 years can be considered if considerable experience) - Current valid Annual Practising certificate in origin country.
- Fluent in Spoken n written English.
- Min 24 months commitment max 36 months for foreign assignment.
- Experience in following areas of nursing (can be multi disciplines)
- Medical -Surgical
- Oncology
- Critical Care(HDU/ICU)
- Cardiac
- Orthopaedic
- Neonatal
- Geriatric
- Nephrology
- Operating Theatre
- Emergency Department
- Gynaecology